That may be. When I use ML, I use 90-100gr Pyrodex and a 240-300 gr XTP. I feel okay to 125 or so, but in truth I think that a stretch. And i know that using spitzer bullets and huge (150gr) powder charges, you can reach out there... but I'd feel better with Mr. Marlin.

Killed me a five-pointer this morning. I was in mature woods, up an oak about fifty yards into the woods from a clearcut. He snuck up behind my stand at about 8:30am; I could hear him coming, that distinctive crunch-crunch-crunch that doesn't sound like a squirrel or bird. I wanted to look around, but tried to be patient until he passed the tree, but it was taking forever (I was about 20' up). So I turned by head slowly... and as I looked down, he bolted back from right under the tree. He must have caught a whiff of me, and saw me move.

I don't usually take shots at running game, but when he turned broadside into the cutover at about 75 yards, I tried. I lead him a bit and loosed four shots from the Marlin, and he kept going... then dropped waaaaay out amongst the fallen timber that was clear- cut the year before. I couldn't see where he fell. I went out, looked for about 30min, and found him. I'd hit him twice; once through the lungs, and once through neck just below chin, and just barely nicked trachea; not too bad, two out of four at a running deer. I called a pal to help me drag him back, as I was prob a mile into the woods.

The Marlin 30-30 is a superb whitetail rifle.

Venison sausage and chops, on the way! And some antlers to stir the soup with!